MSc Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
This is a programme for law enforcement. It aims to provide high quality forensic computing and cybercrime investigation training and formal education. It is also designed to deliver cutting-edge, up-to-date cybercrime investigation techniques, strategies and tactics that allow students to understand and tackle emerging trends in cybercrime. Over the past 10 years we brought in specialists from around the world to review and advise on the content considering the needs of digital forensic investigators and computer crime specialists. The UCD School of Computer Science (CS) and UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation (CCI) are working closely with law enforcement agencies and industry practitioners in seeking solutions to technologies-related crime. CS and CCI staff also collaborate with the scientists from European Cybercrime Training and Educational Group at Europol (ECTEG) to work on applied research and developing forensic tools and then to transfer high impact research achievements and efficient, free forensic tools to the law enforcement community. This programme is delivered by experienced academics from CS and CCI and also by experts who are leaders, managers and heads of forensic departments in law enforcement agencies and in industry.
Download the course brochure (pdf)
A wide range of modules is available at beginner and advanced levels. On successful completion of the programme, depending on the module taken, students will be able to:
Understand methods used to conduct forensic analysis of digital devices including computer systems and mobile devices
Identify, collect, process, analyse and present digital forensics evidence
Use common network investigation techniques
Develop critical thinking in anaylsing and performing cybercrime investigation
Research and develop custom tools for evidence analysis
Work in groups to resolve computer forensic challenges
Understand the cybercrime business model and how to perform the financial fraud investigations
Conduct research into novel forensic and cybercrime investigation problems
Investigate cases of child sexual exploitation on the Internet
Tackle the forensic analysis of future technologies (both hardware and software) through the development of new applications
Vision and Values Statement
This is a programme for law enforcement. This programme aims to provide high quality forensic computing and cybercrime investigation training and formal education. It is also designed to deliver cutting-edge, up-to-date cybercrime investigation techniques, strategies and tactics that allow students to understand and tackle emerging trends in cybercrime. (Purposes). Over the past 10 years we have brought in specialists from around the world to review and advise on the content considering the needs of digital forensic investigators and computer crime specialists. The UCD School of Computer Science (CSI) and UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation (CCI) have been working closely with law enforcement agencies and industry practitioners in seeking solutions to technologies-related crime. CSI and CCI staff also collaborate with the scientists from European Cybercrime Training and Educational Group at Europol (ECTEG) to work on applied research and developing forensic tools and then transfer both high impact research achievement and efficient, free forensic tools to the students. This programme is delivered by not only the experienced academia staff from CSI and CCI but also the experts who are leaders, managers, heads of forensic department in law enforcement agencies and industries. Besides, with a modular structure and part-time options, students can combine study with full-time work and family commitments. (Values). The programme structure fosters and encourages close liaison between students, so graduates leave not only having required skills for all cybercrime investigating services but also an excellent international network of contacts for the future. (Learning outcomes). All lectures are pre-recorded and provided online via a virtual online learning environment, allowing students to participate from their house or office. All modules consist of continuous formative assessment components assessing core practical skills and culminate in a written summative assessment final exam. Students attend UCD exam centres only for examinations each year. Students will graduate with a UCD MSc when (s)he has achieved 90 credits. (Approaches to teaching learning and assessment).
Programme Outcomes
Understand methods used to conduct forensic analysis of digital devices including computer systems and mobile devices
Identify, collect, process, analyse and present digital forensics evidence
Develop critical thinking in anaylsing and performing cybercrime investigation
Use common network investigation techniques
Research and develop custom tools for evidence analysis
Work in group to resolve computer forensic challenges
Understand cybercrime business model and how to perform the financial fraud investigation
Conduct research into novel forensic and cybercrime investigation problems
Perform the financial fraud investigation
Tackle the forensic analysis of future technologies (both hardware and software) through the development of new applications
Investigate cases of child sexual exploitation on the Internet